A Compact Two-Element HF Active Phased Array Antenna

One of the most vital issues regarding the installation of HF antennas is their sizable dimensions. This is because an HF antenna must be designed around the proper wavelengths to operate at a satisfactory efficiency, especially when a certain level of directivity is also a requirement. Although an HF short dipole's efficiency is lower than the half wave dipole, it can be enhanced by the use of active circuits for usable monitoring purposes. Directional HF antennas, like the Yagi, that employs passive elements such as reflectors and directors cannot be shorter than the proper dimensions and still function properly. A similar limitation applies for the dipoles of the Log Periodic antenna. This paper presents the design and preliminary testing results of a linear polarization HF monitoring very compact lightweight active phased array that produces a radiation pattern with a sufficient front-to-back ratio specially designed to be installed in locations where limited space imposes a limitation.